Oral Answers to Questions

Euan Stainbank Excerpts

Tuesday 16th December 2025 Commons Chamber

[Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) (Lab)]

The Hillsborough law will deliver a generational strengthening of legal aid, but does the Minister share my constituents’ concern about the fact that the Scottish Government have yet to confirm that similar non-means-tested legal aid will be available to bereaved families in Scotland?

[Alex Davies-Jones]

I can confirm that we have had positive conversations with the Scottish Government about extending the provision to Scotland. This is a matter for them, but we are engaging in positive conversations, and they have shown willing in wanting to adopt the same model that we will be adopting to provide non-means-tested legal aid for all bereaved families when there has been state involvement in the death of their loved ones.

Oral Answers to Questions

Euan Stainbank Excerpts

Tuesday 16th September 2025 Commons Chamber

[Mr Lammy]

Yes, I can.

[Euan Stainbank (Falkirk) (Lab)]

Barlinnie prison is operating at 30% above capacity, and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons is strongly urging Scottish Government action before the £1 billion replacement is finally built in 2028. What steps are Ministers taking to avoid the costly mistakes of the SNP Scottish Government in tackling the prison capacity crisis?

[Mr Lammy]

The SNP is running down Scotland and wasting taxpayers’ money on the new Barlinnie prison—more than double the original estimated cost. We are doing much better on this side of the border, and we are working with colleagues to see what we can do about that situation.